Dpms?

So. I can buy a DPMS Sportical or Patrol Carbine for $700. Good deal? Which do you suggest and why? Thinking I'd like to build one (thanks JD) but I'd like to just use one first, see if I like it. Who knows, I might rather have a Mini 14. Seems like at $700 I shouldn't get hurt TOO bad if I decide to sell it, eh? Any input appreciated. Thanks guys.

Nothing wrong with a DPMS unit. DPMS makes a good unit and their quality control is good. I think you will be happy with the unit, but might want to start changing parts after you get some trigger time in.

Building one is always a better overall plan because you can get better parts, plus you get a better understanding as to what parts do what and how they make a difference.

Getting a complete, tested unit is also a good start, especially if you are a tinkerer at heart. Knowing the environment you live in, I would suspect that just buying one will not be enough for you in the long one freefall.

I don't want to change parts, if I find I like the format would like to build one, but want to have a factory original for resale when I decide what I do want. Thinking a .308 might be a better choice for my location. Are .308 builds an available option? Still, I need to try out the platform and see if I like it. I know I like M1As.

I just want something generally useable for everything from hostile humans to hostile grizzlies (which we have plenty of). I feel it would be sensible to own a 5.56 or 2 in the most common platform using the most common magazines, but the time or two I've picked one up I thought they were ill-feeling. So I thought some trigger time would help figure out if I like or hate it.
I think a .308 is a better caliber for this country, just thought a 5.56 would be a cheaper way to check out the platform. Would be interested in building the .308 of my dreams if I like the feel of it.

At the shop I get to handle many styles of rifles. I sold a couple of the FN ARs and I'm really impressed with this .308. This will probably be my next purchase but hopefully I get to shoot one first. Sold one to my doctor and he offered to let me take it for a test drive.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the quality and accuracy of a DPMS. I have a DPMS Panther Bull 20 in .223. Mine is set up with a JP Enterprises Adjustable Trigger with a Bushnell Elite 3200 4x12x40mm AO Riflescope. It'll print 5 shot groups from the bench at 100 yards that get right close to 1/2" with my handload using 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips.

A buddy has DPMS Sportical .223. The only things we did was replace the plastic handguards with an Aluminum Free Float Tube and polished the trigger & hammer a little. With a 3x9x40mm Riflescope he is consistantly printing 1 1/2" or smaller 5 shot groups at 200 yards. This has turned into his favorite Coyote Rifle.

There are several other guys around here that have DPMS AR's of one flavor or another, and they all seem to shoot quite well.

A different buddy has a DPMS LR-308B 18" Bull Barrel .308. We have smoothed up his trigger a bit but other than that it is stock. He is getting 1" or less 5 shot groups at 100 yards from the bench with a few different loads. However his LR-308B is as heavy as my DPMS 20" Bull Barrel .223 (which is too heavy for a hunting gun).

I also have a Bushmaster 16" ORC that has never let me down. It is not as accurate as my DPMS Bull Barrel but then it only wears a 1.5x4.5x32mm Riflescope too.